Karnataka HC Orders Fresh Survey To Determine If Temple Encroaches On Road In Bengaluru

In order to acquire a "clear report from an independent authority," Karnataka High Court has issued a directive for a fresh survey.

Karnataka High Court adjourned the hearing on this matter to February 9

Karnataka High Court instructed Deputy Commissioner of Bengaluru Urban district to assign deputy director of land records and a technical team to submit a report on whether a temple in question has encroached upon the road or if the road was constructed around the temple.

The Chief Justice Prasanna B Varale and Justice Krishna S Dixit, comprising the division bench, presided over a petition concerning the alleged illegal encroachment of a road by Sri Sallapuradamma Temple in Hegganahalli Main Road, Sunkadakatte village, Bengaluru.

According to the petitioner, the road has been obstructed by the temple. Upon examination of photographs presented, the high court observed that the temple appeared to be situated in the middle of the road.

Taking action on March 8, 2021, the high court had previously directed the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to assign an officer to visit the site and submit a comprehensive report on the matter.

In its recent order on Thursday, the high court, as per PTI, noted that the affidavit by the BBMP was "ambiguous and an attempt was made to create some confusion."

"We are unable to comprehend the statement which in a way indicates the situation that the road is laid around the temple. This report fails to show as to whether there is illegal encroachment and whether the temple has been standing there for ages," it said.

In order to acquire a "clear report from an independent authority," the high court has issued a directive for a fresh survey. Further, the court adjourned the hearing on this matter to February 9, the report said.